All Aboard: Muni Trains Carry Risk of Injury to Riders in San Francisco

The Muni light-rail system provides commuters to, from and around San Francisco with an ease of travel. The benefits of Muni’s light-rail system are many, including avoiding the cost and hunt for parking, eliminating the headache of being stuck in traffic jams and enjoying a quicker commute. Yet, for all of the benefit that travel by rail provides, there remains an ever present danger for Muni train passengers and pedestrians, the risk of a Muni train accident.Data reported by the San Francisco Examiner shows that Muni light-rail trains are either involved in an accident or derail every 13 days. The paper also reports that the most accident-prone line is the N-Judah line, which was involved in 84 collisions between 2008 and 2011. The M-Ocean View line was involved in the second most accidents, 58, over that same period. And, with 26 accidents, the K-Ingleside line was involved in the fewest accidents of all the Muni light-rail lines.The reason for so many accidents on the N-Judah line is up for speculation. Greg Dewar, of the N-Judah Chronicles blog, told the Examiner that there could be several reasons for the number of light-rail accidents, including double-parked vehicles and cars “running an intersection.” Paul Rose, of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said that the sheer number of passengers being carried by the line could partially be to blame for the number of accidents.Whether from a collision with the train or during a derailment or other accident, commuters involved in a Muni light-rail train accident are at risk of suffering severe injuries, including:

Broken bones

Amputations

Cuts and bruises

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Disfigurement

Death

Do not let the name “light-rail” fool you, these trains pack a punch when involve in an accident. If you have been injured in an accident involving a Muni light-rail train, speak with an experienced attorney in your area.